We Stand For Equal Rights For Gay And Lesbian Americans

Equality makes us stronger as a nation. When employers, communities, and governments treat all people fairly—including those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender—it benefits everyone. The United States has made important progress in extending equal rights to LGBT people, but we still have a long way to go.

The Work Continues

Freedom and equality are not new values. They define our collective aspirations as a nation.

Today, solid majorities of Americans support laws and policies aimed at reducing discrimination against LGBT people. People across the country have come to understand that the strength and the success of our communities and our economy depend on the diverse talents and skills of all people. We’re all better off when everyone has a chance to thrive.

But the fact is, it’s still legal in most states to fire hardworking employees, deny them housing, or refuse to serve them in a restaurant or other business—simply because they are gay or transgender.

Only 22 States Protect Gay People from Discrimination in Employment and Public Accommodations

20 States and DC

Prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity

2 States

Prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation only

The Work Ahead

In 2001, the Haas, Jr. Fund became the first foundation to make marriage equality a funding priority. With the Supreme Court’s historic Obergerfell ruling in June 2015, the freedom to marry was extended to gay and lesbian couples from coast to coast.

The Haas, Jr Fund and our partners are committed to securing equal civil right protections for LGBT people across the United States including protections against discrimination in the following areas:

Employment

LGBT workers continue to face inequality, unfairness, harassment, and discrimination in the workplace.

And discrimination is real: 1 in 5 LGBT people report being treated unfairly by an employer in hiring, pay or promotions. The numbers are even higher for transgender people: 3 in 4 have experienced at least one form of harassment or mistreatment at work because of their gender identity.

Public Accommodations

LGBT Americans experience discrimination in public accommodations, such as restaurants, motels, retail stores, and doctors’ offices.

Since marriage equality became the law of land, individuals and small companies have refused to provide services to same-sex couples. Transgender people have been specifically targeted through so-called “bathroom bills” (which make it illegal for transgender people to use restrooms and locker rooms consistent with their gender identity).

Housing

Studies show that LGBT people are denied housing and are evicted at higher rates than non-LGBT people.

A 2014 report from the Equal Rights Center found that nearly half (48%) of older gay couples inquiring about housing in a senior housing facility faced some form of adverse treatment when compared to straight couples.

How We’ll Get There

Defending Marriage Equality and Securing Equal Civil Protections

We’re supporting legal action and public education efforts to ensure that the Supreme Court’s 2015 marriage equality decision is enforced and not eroded by measures seeking to sanction discrimination against gay and lesbian couples and their children.

We're standing up for the principle that LGBT people deserve the same civil rights protections as all other Americans and supporting efforts in the following areas to help move the nation to a tipping point on this issue:

We’re supporting the work of Freedom for All Americans and state-based groups to educate the community about the need to extend nondiscrimination protections to LGBT people, while safeguarding religious freedoms.

We’re working with partners to raise up the voices of clergy and other people of faith to make the case for LGBT equality, based on religious values and beliefs.

The United States is viewed around the world as a land of opportunity and freedom—a place where people who work hard, follow the law, and meet their responsibilities have a chance to get ahead and make a positive difference. It’s time to ensure that this vision is a reality for LGBT Americans—and for everyone.